UAE 'bans entry' to all Nigerian citizens: reports

The UAE has reportedly banned Nigerian citizens from entering the country, according to trading partners.

Immigration authorities in Dubai announced on Friday that new visa applications for Nigerian citizens will be rejected and current applications will be refused without refunding applicants.

A notice has been allegedly issued to its trading partners in Nigeria which includes travel agents

"All Dubai applications submitted are now rejected. It is general for Nigerians and approvals are on hold at the moment," the notice read, according to Nigerian media.

"Kindly advise your clients to resubmit C2=A0 applications when the issue is resolved between both governments."

"Kindly advise your clients to resubmit applications when the issue is resolved between both governments," the alleged notice reads. 

The reports added that the UAE will keep this decision until diplomatic issues between Abu Dhabi and Abuja are resolved.

Last month, the UAE reportedly stopped issuing tourist visas to people aged under-40 from a number of countries, including Nigeria.

The New Arab has contacted the Nigerian Embassy in Abu Dhabi and UAE embassy in London for comment about the claims.